OAKHURST – Animal lovers are a distinctive breed, and with pet ownership in the United States having more than tripled since the 1970s, the most recent estimates suggest that about 164 million households in the U.S. currently have pets. If you’re live in one of those households in the foothill area, you’ll be happy to know that the Bateman family ...

COARSEGOLD – Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino employees have been advised they can pick up personal belongings left behind when the Casino abruptly shut down on Oct. 9, following an armed conflict between rival factions of the tribe. A notice appeared on the Casino’s social media today, captioned, “Attention Chukchansi Gold Team Members.” Employees were notified that they can pick ...

OAKHURST – Work is underway to rehabilitate 11 acres recently purchased by the Madera Cemetery District to expand the Oakhill Cemetery. The newly-purchased property is due west of the cemetery and runs along behind Napa Auto Parts, beside the Raley’s store, behind Grocery Outlet, and over to the Manna House.

FRESNO – All parties involved in the dispute over leadership of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians appeared in U.S. District Court this afternoon before federal Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill. The hearing follows an armed confrontation on Thursday, Oct. 9, that prompted the shutdown of the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino in Coarsegold. The courtroom was filled with a large ...

COARSEGOLD – As everyone waits to see what will be decided in U.S. District Court in Fresno on Wednesday, the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino remains closed to the public. After what has been described as an armed takeover of the casino on Thursday, Oct. 9, by the Tex McDonald faction, the hotel and casino were shut down pending a ...

COARSEGOLD – After years of fighting and bickering amongst themselves, the various factions battling for control of the Chukchansi leadership are being brought before a higher authority. The Attorney General’s Office filed a complaint for injunctive relief in U.S. District Court in Fresno last night, and the judge issued a temporary restraining order, closing the hotel/casino until a hearing on ...

COARSEGOLD – The situation at the Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino does not appear to be any closer to a resolution. At this time, the casino is “open,” but there are no employees on the premises. Restaurants, the gaming room and the bar are all closed, and General Manager Giffan Tan has directed his employees not to come to work, ...

COARSEGOLD – The Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino remains closed this morning after reports that armed gunmen stormed the lobby at about 6 p.m. last evening, and pointed their weapons at security guards. The Sheriff’s Office was called in and evacuated the building, while CHP officers closed off Lucky Lane. This morning the casino remains closed, though Lucky Lane has ...

COARSEGOLD – TheBusinessJournals.com is reporting that failures to submit audits and financial statements by the past Tribal Councils and Tribal Gaming Commissions of the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians has prompted the National Indian Gaming Commission to issue a closure order on the Chukchansi Casino, effective Oct. 27, 2014.

OAKHURST – A family medicine physician and a clinical psychologist, who was displaced by the most recent wildfire in Oakhurst, have joined Adventist Health / Community Care – Oakhurst.